Urchin pods, Sri Lanka

For Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Nomadic Resorts has designed and built a series of 8 Urchins as childrens bedroom, customized from Nomadic Resorts Looper product. The biophilic design of the compact yet luxury tented pod was inspired by the globular shell of the Sea Urchin – a member of the phylum Echinodermata.

As the Urchin matures it develops a five-fold symmetry (called pentamerism) that is reflected in the ten beamed structure of the tent. Portholes and doors are incorporated into the segments like the tubercules on the shells of the animal to provide access and light. The Spicules (or beams) are covered by a tensile membrane fabric that is tensioned with cables at each foot. Insulation has been incorporated between the segments to create a thermally efficient envelope.